Chloe - A Pitbull Ambassador

RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP is the key to a happy dog & a happy family!

Things to consider before bringing a dog home and need to match the breed to your own situation:

• what is your lifestyle - work, children, activities, etc.
• what are your expectations for the dog - family pet, service dog, show dog, image, etc.
• what is your home environment like - housing & home owner insurance rules, fenced backyard, able to stay in the house, etc.
• what is your financial ability and commitment for the dogs well being - vet, food, toys, outings, training, etc.
• what are your personal feelings about adopting vs. purchase from a breeder
• how much research have you done on the different breeds of interest and all the inherent character traits, activity demands, and potential health conditions

Once you have pick out and brought home a dog - BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER

• Ensure proper socialization with people and other animals
• Receive at the minimum, basic training and good canine certification
• Keep your dog activite with routines for walks/exercise and playtime - keep your pet involved with the world and not neglected in the corner of the yard
• Establish clear, consistent boundaries and limitations for dog, i.e., how to greet and interact with people and other dogs, allowed on couch and/or bed, etc.
• Keep your dog healthy with quality food and regular vet checks and vaccinations
• Know your dogs behavior and limitations and create a win/win for everyone (some dogs may not like other dogs or children, etc.)
• Be the one ultimately responsible and careful not to create situations of risk (children left alone with dogs, multiple same sex dogs, etc.)
• Know you city and dog park laws
• Love your dog and enjoy the wonderful joy they bring!!!

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF PIT BULL OWNERSHIP
Written by Susan Thompson
Former - PBRC Volunteer

1. Thou shalt NEVER trust thy Pit Bull not to fight.

2. Thou shalt contain thy Pit Bull securely when not supervised by
an adult.

3. Thou shalt NEVER leave thy adult Pit Bull alone and unsupervised
with another unfamiliar dog.

4. Thou SHALT attend obedience classes most faithfully with thy Pit
Bull.

5. Thou SHALT keep thy Pit Bull socialized with ALL KINDS of people
AND dogs.

6. Thy Pit Bull wilt NEVER be allowed off-leash in a public place.

7. Thy Pit Bull wilt NEVER be allowed to roam free in thy
neighborhood, EVER!

8. Thou SHALT take thy well trained Pit Bull out in public and show
him/her off - on leash for good breed PR!

9. Thy Pit Bull shalt go forth into the world as an ambassador of
the pit bull breed.

10. THOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY WRONG DONE BY THY DOGS!

OTHER GREAT WEBSITE:  http://www.pitbullregistry.com/Responsible%20Ownership.htm

Great information from the Pit Bull Rescue Center - www.pbrc.net

Responsible ownership guidelines - http://www.pbrc.net/misc/PBRC_owners.pdf

Dog Safety guidelines - http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/Safety/DogSafteyMain.htm